The construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river at Thekkady, in 1895, submerged large tracts of land and created a huge lake, covering an area of 26 sq km. Years later, in 1935, the then Maharaja of Travancore declared 600 sq km of forest surrounding the lake a wildlife sanctuary. The Periyar Lake now forms the nucleus of the ecosystem of the sanctuary which, over the years, has been expanded to 777 sq km. © Mallikarjuna.D.G.
Boat house at Periyar Lake © Mallikarjuna.D.G.
Visitors viewing wildlife from a boat on Periyar Lake © Mallikarjuna.D.G.
The lake, a year-round source of water, and the abundant grassland make the sanctuary an ideal habitat for elephants.
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